Ill Met by Moonlight 1957
"They stole a General under the noses of his 20,000 crack paratroops."
Set against the rugged, sun-scorched backdrop of World War II Crete, *Ill Met by Moonlight (1957)* follows a daring British-led mission to capture the island's German commander—a bold act of defiance against a 20,000-strong occupying force.
Director: Emeric Pressburger
Cast
Dirk Bogarde
Maj. Patrick Leigh Fermor aka "Philedem"
David Oxley
Capt. William Stanley "Bill" Moss
Marius Goring
Major General Kreipe
Dimitri Andreas
Niko Soldan Emeris
Cyril Cusack
Captain Sandy Rendel
Laurence Payne
Manoli
Wolfe Morris
George
Michael Gough
Andoni Zoidakis
John Cairney
Elias
Brian Worth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Ill Met by Moonlight* (1957) about?
This gripping WWII adventure follows British officers and Cretan partisans as they plot to abduct the island's German commander, smuggling him to Cairo to expose the occupiers' vulnerabilities. The mission pits hope against overwhelming odds, blending real-life heroism with nail-biting suspense.
Who directed *Ill Met by Moonlight*?
The film was directed by Emeric Pressburger, a master of wartime drama known for his collaboration with Powell on visually rich, emotionally charged stories.
Who stars in *Ill Met by Moonlight*?
The film stars Dirk Bogarde, David Oxley, Marius Goring, Cyril Cusack, and Laurence Payne in pivotal roles.
Is *Ill Met by Moonlight* (1957) worth watching?
With its authentic wartime setting and tense cat-and-mouse gameplay, *Ill Met by Moonlight* is a standout in the genre, offering more than just action—it's a testament to ingenuity under fire. Fans of historical adventures will find plenty to admire.
How long is *Ill Met by Moonlight*?
The film runs for 104 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Ill Met by Moonlight (1957) — The True Story of Crete's Daring WWII Kidnapping
Set against the rugged, sun-scorched backdrop of World War II Crete, *Ill Met by Moonlight (1957)* follows a daring British-led mission to capture the island's German commander—a bold act of defiance against a 20,000-strong occupying force. Directed by Emeric Pressburger, this wartime adventure blends high-stakes tension with the gritty realism of partisan warfare, as a small band of rebels orchestrates a high-risk kidnapping to humiliate their enemy and strike a blow for Allied morale. The film's atmosphere crackles with urgency, as stealth clashes with brute military power, and every shadow hides a potential betrayal or triumph.
Starring Dirk Bogarde in a commanding lead, *Ill Met by Moonlight* captures the audacity and peril of resistance fighters who refuse to surrender hope. With action-packed sequences and a backdrop of breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes, Pressburger crafts a tale of courage where strategy trumps brute force—and where the line between victory and disaster is as thin as moonlight on rough terrain.
